ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
NTPC releases Biodiversity Policy for conservation and restoration of biodiversity
NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated energy producer has issued renewed Biodiversity Policy 2022 to establish a comprehensive vision and guiding principle for conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity.
This Biodiversity Policy is an integral part of NTPC’s Environmental Policy. Its objectives are aligned with environmental and sustainability policies. Moreover, the policy is also designed to support all the professionals of the NTPC Group to help them contribute toward the achievement of the targets set in this field.
NTPC has always been mindful about avoiding operations in areas with the highest biodiversity value and judiciously selecting project sites. The company will further strengthen its current efforts to achieve a ’no net loss’ of biodiversity at all of its currently operating sites and ensure there is a net positive balance wherever applicable.
The power major aims to mainstream the concept of biodiversity across NTPC’s value chain and adopt a precautionary approach for sustainable management of biodiversity in all the decision-making processes to ensure the Earth's variety of life in and around the business units of NTPC. The policy also aims to adopt systematic consideration of local threats to biodiversity beyond the company’s business activities.
NTPC was the first PSU to issue Biodiversity Policy in 2018. In the same year, NTPC became a member of the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative .
As part of its capacity building, NTPC is raising awareness among local communities, employees, and its associates across the supply chain about biodiversity through project-specific and national level trainings in collaboration with experts.
NTPC is also collaborating with local communities, organizations, regulatory agencies and research institutes of national/international repute in the field of biodiversity.
Further, NTPC will be adhering to legal compliances with respect to biodiversity by complying with rules and regulations related to the environment, forest, wildlife, coastal zone, and green cover during planning and execution of its projects.
In a major initiative undertaken by NTPC, it has signed a five-year agreement with Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles in the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. With the Financial Contribution of Rs. 4.6 Crores and increased participation of community, the no. of hatchings released in sea water as increased about 2.25 times since intervention by NTPC.
President's Secretariat
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause  of Article 75 of the Constitution.
Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Prakash Javadekar, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, in addition to his existing portfolios.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Char Dham Programme
An amount of Rs. 1850 crore is likely to be spent on the Char Dham Programme in the current financial year. The Char Dham Programme was initially targeted for completion by March, 2020. However, the schedule date of completion of the programme has been delayed mainly due to litigation in the Hon’ble NGT and further Civil Appeal by the petitioner in the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Further, the section from Dharasu bend to Gangotri  lies under Bhagirathi Eco- Sensitive Zone on which works can be taken up only after approval of Masterplan by MoEF&CC. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order dated 08.08.2019 has disposed of the Civil Appeal and constituted a High Power Committee  to look into the environmental and other issues related to the Char Dham Programme as per the terms of reference set by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The HPC has been mandated to submit its report within 4 months from the date of the order. The date of completion of the programme depends on the report of the HPC and approval of Masterplan for Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone by MoEF&CC.
The projects under Char Dham Programme include widening of existing roads along with adequate/sufficient slope protection by way of erection of retaining walls and breast walls and by deploying drapery system, netting, anchoring, reinforced wall etc. as per Detailed Project Reports. The projects also include mitigation measures/ stabilisation of chronic landslide & sinking spots/zones as standalone project or part of road widening projects to avoid land slide and safety of road users. Bio engineering methods like hydro seeding are being used for vegetative growth on fragile slopes for their stability. All these measures shall safeguard the highway and habitation against natural calamity.
The works under Char Dham Pariyojna are being implemented on Engineering Procurement and Construction  mode of contract. These projects are being implemented by 3 executing agencies of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, viz, Uttarakhand State PWD, Border Road Organization  and National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited . For each project, a Supervision Consultant called Authority’s Engineer comprising of a team of Key Experts has been appointed for day-to-day supervision and monitoring of the construction works, which includes monitoring of quality control of the works as required under the contract agreement. This Supervision Consultant reports directly to the concerned executing agencies in respect of day to day progress and various other aspects of the project. Regular monitoring of progress of the work is done at the level of concerned executing agencies and also at Ministry’s level., Further, under this EPC mode of contract, the contractor is directly responsible for ensuring quality of the work as well as rectification of defects and maintenance of the project stretch for a period of 4 years after completion of construction.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Sagarmala Seaplane Service
Sagarmala Development Company Limited , a CPSE under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways  had invited Expression of Interest  for Seaplane Services whereby airplane operators were invited to undertake development and operation in India. Further, MoPSW and Ministry of Civil Aviation  have signed an Memorandum of Understanding  on 15th June, 2021 to jointly facilitate the development of Sea Plane Services in India under RCS-UDAN Scheme.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved MoCA’s proposal for revival of existing unserved / underserved airports/ airstrips/ heliports/ water aerodromes of the State Governments, Airports Authority of India and Civil Enclaves, on 6th March, 2017, at an estimated cost of Rs 4500 crore. The revival of an airport/ water aerodrome/ heliport awarded under RCS-UDAN where it requires for operationalization of RCS-UDAN flights is undertaken under this scheme.
This information was given by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency Relating To Imported and Export Goods Notified
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the notification of the Central Board of Excise and Customs No.31/2018-CUSTOMS , dated 5th April, 2018 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 20th April, 2018, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Australian Dollar
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52.35
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50.40
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2.
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Bahrain Dinar
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180.45
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169.00
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3.
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Canadian Dollar
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53.05
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51.30
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4.
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Chinese Yuan
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10.70
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10. 35
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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11.15
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10.70
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6.
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EURO
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82.85
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80.10
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7.
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Hong Kong Dollar
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8.50
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8.25
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8.
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Kuwait Dinar
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227.10
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212.35
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9.
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New Zealand Dollar
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49.20
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47.30
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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8.65
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8.35
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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95.00
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92.00
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12.
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Qatari Riyal
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18.60
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17.60
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13.
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Saudi Arabian Riyal
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18.15
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17.00
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14.
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Singapore Dollar
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51.10
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49.45
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15.
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South African Rand
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5.70
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5.35
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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8.00
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7.70
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17.
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Swiss Franc
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69.10
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66.85
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18.
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UAE Dirham
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18.55
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17.35
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19.
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US Dollar
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66.70
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65.00
SCHEDULE-II
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Japanese Yen
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62.35
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60.25
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2.
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Kenyan Shilling
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64. 90
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60.65
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
50th IFFI announces International Jury and Films in International Competition Section
John Bailey Ex. President Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to head the International Jury of 50th IFFI
15 Films representing 20 Countries to compete for the Golden Peacock Award
Mai Ghat: Crime No. 103/2005 & Jallikattu to be the Indian entries
Mr. John Bailey, Cinematographer and Ex. President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences will chair the International Jury of 50th International Film Festival of India . French filmmaker Mr. Robin Campillo who was also a member of the Cannes International Jury 2019, renowned Chinese filmmaker Mr. Zhang Yang and Ms. Lynne Ramsay, who is one of the leading lights of young British cinema will be the co-jurors. Eminent Filmmaker, Mr. Ramesh Sippy is the Indian member in the International Jury.
The Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India has the best lot of 15 films representing 20 countries competing for the coveted Golden Peacock Award. The selection has been made from over 700 entries. Pema Tseden’s Balloon , Ali Aydin’s Chronology , Andreas Horvath’s Lillian , Wagner Moura’s Marighella , Hans Petter Moland’s Out Stealing Horses , Blaise Harrison’s Particles , Gregor Bozic’s Stories from the Chestnut Woods , Yosep Anggi Noen’s The Science of Fictions, Erdenebileg Ganbold’s Steed , Kristóf Deák’s Hungarian Film Captives and Ben Rekhi’s Philippines film Watch List are in Competition. Films from Female filmmakers in the Competition section include Sophie Deraspe’s Antigone and Mahnaz Mohammadi’s Son-Mother. Marathi film Mai Ghat: Crime No. 103/2005 directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and Malayalam film Jallikattu directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery are the two Indian films competing at 50th IFFI.
Profile of the Jury
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
CVC calls for preventive vigilance to check malpractices
The Central Vigilance Commissioner  Shri K.V. Chowdary has called for preventive vigilance to check occurrence of corrupt practices. Speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on “Preventive Vigilance- Dissemination of Good Practices” here today, he said, this can be achieved by identifying and plugging vulnerable areas through systemic improvements and structural remedies. He said these measures fulfil the objective of preempting corrupt practices and further enhance the organisational efficiency.
Shri Chowdary said while probable vulnerable areas are unique to organisations, few commonly occurring corrupt practices are in areas like procurement, sale of goods and services, human resource management, delivery of services to public and enforcement. He called for improving existing systems, reviewing processes for simplification, leveraging technology, reducing personal discretion, effective control and supervision, educating citizens and training for bringing about transparency and accountability in organisations.
The one-day workshop has five sessions where government organisations and Public Sector Undertakings including Financial Institutions gave presentations and shared good practices adopted by them. Some of the themes for discussion included IT-based recruitment system, use of geospatial technology for infrastructure and planning, vehicle monitoring system, leveraging technology for preventive vigilance, digitisation of land records and systemic improvements in concept of concurrent audit.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
DAVP PHOTO EXHIBITION ON YOGA AT JUBILEE BUS STATION
On the occasion International Yoga Day, Regional Outreach Bureau  under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising a 3-day photo exhibition and awareness camp on yoga at Jubilee Bus Station, Secunderabad. According to press note by ROB, Director, Sri. M. Devendra, Artistes of Song & Drama Division  will be performing cultural programmes at the venue.
Prizes will be distributed to winners of various competitions organised by ROB in schools and colleges for the past one week.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Language For The Functioning Of State High Courts
Article 348 of the Constitution of India states that the Governor of a State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorize the use of the Hindi language, or any other language used for any official purpose of the State, in proceedings in the High Court having its principal seat in that State.
Section 7 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 states that the Governor of a State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorize the use of Hindi or the official language of the State, in addition to the English language, for the purposes of any judgment, decree or order passed or made by the High Court for that State and where any judgment, decree or order is passed or made in any such language , it shall be accompanied by a translation of the same in the English language issued under the authority of the High Court.
The Cabinet Committee’s decision dated 21.05.1965 has stipulated that consent of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India be obtained on any proposal relating to use of a language other than English in the High Courts.
The use of Hindi in proceedings in the High Court of Rajasthan was authorized under Article 348 of the Constitution in 1950. After the Cabinet Committee’s decision dated 21.05.1965 as mentioned above, the use of Hindi was authorized in the High Courts of Uttar Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh  and Bihar  in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, today.
Ministry of Defence
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES AT WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND
Mumbai : 5 June 2023
The Western Naval Command has been at the forefront in promoting environmental conservation activities at all stations spread across the west coast.
Naval personnel at WNC have been actively involved in rejuvenation of various mangroves along the coast at Mumbai and other stations. Community clean-ups in the neighbourhood, workshops and seminars, awareness campaigns, coastal cleanship and tree plantation drives have been undertaken by the command throughout the year. Besides this, implementation of sustainable policies, green initiatives like promoting recycling, reducing plastic consumption, adoption of renewable energy, in-house handling and recycling of bio and non-biodegradable waste, adoption of energy efficient and water saving practices have been implemented. A Miyawaki forest has been established at NAD Trombay and has been widely appreciated.
As part of #GreenIndia initiative of the Gol, various naval stations of WNC have planted local flora saplings over the year. Under #PuneetSagarAbhiyan, mass coastal clean ship drives have been undertaken along the coast of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka on numerous occasions. Awareness campaigns and clean up drives in coordination with local municipal bodies and NGOs have resulted in disposal of large quantity of plastic waste since Mar 2022.
Continuing with the Green environment initiatives, 'Beat Plastic Pollution' has been adopted as the theme by ND . With the active involvement of WNC Parivaar, mass cleanship has been undertaken at all residential areas. Various plantation drives, lectures / seminars and painting competition are being conducted. A Pledge taking ceremony towards a greener, sustainable and healthier environment have been conducted in all Naval stations.
PRO Defence/ NM/PM
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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India will address the Industry at ASSOCHAM Fisheries & Aquaculture Sector
Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Shri Parshottam Rupala will address the fisheries and aquaculture industry, today, on the unique approach to revive the sector post COVID time pandemic. He will also highlight the features of PMMSY along with various schemes run by the Govt of India to promote and uplift the sector.
ASSOCHAM, an apex chamber of commerce of India is going to organise a Virtual Conference today on Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry. The theme for this virtual conference is “Strategic roadmap towards enabling Blue Revolution & Economic Growth”. The objective behind this virtual conference is to deliberate upon the issues which can improve the rate of growth in this sector and to record all the necessary steps to enter into a new era of fisheries & aquaculture to improve productivity along with a strong focus on the latest opportunities in the sector along with a focus on technology, marketing, finance, export and infra facilities.
Along with the Presence of Minister of Fisheries, GoI, Shri Parshottam Rupala , The session will have more insights into the presence of speakers from diverse backgrounds across the nation, will discuss and bring out all the possible ways to revive the fisheries and aquaculture sector across the nation. The eminent guest govt. authorities who will be the speakers of the session are Shri K S Srinivas, IAS, Chairman, The Marine Products Export Development Authority, Government of India, Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, Dr. Pravat Kumar Roul, Managing Director, Agriculture Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd., Govt. of Odisha.
Representing the interest of industry bodies of Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry, the speakers are Shri Deepak Sood, Secretary-General, ASSOCHAM, Dr Manoj M Sharma, Director, Mayank Aquaculture, Pvt. Ltd., Shri Amit Salunkhe, Chief Alliance Officer, Aqua Connect, Shri Chintan Thaker, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council & Group President & Head, Corporate Affairs & Strategic Planning, Welspun Group, Shri Dhaval Raval, Chairman - Agriculture & Food Processing Committee, ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council along with Dr. Venkatesh Iyer, Editor in Chief, The SME India as a moderator for the session.
The session will be attended by major industry bodies of Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry/ leading industrialists, exporters, educationists, bureaucrats, FPOs, and other industry professionals.
Prime Minister's Office
PM releases Manuscript with commentaries by 21 scholars on shlokas of Srimad Bhagavadgita
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi released a Manuscript with commentaries by 21 scholars on shlokas of Srimad Bhagavadgita. Jammu & Kashmir Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha was also present on the occasion along with Dr Karan Singh, the Chairman Trustee of Dharmarth Trust, J&K..
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister lauded the work done by Dr. Karan Singh on Indian philosophy. He added that his effort has revived the identity of Jammu and Kashmir, which has led the thought tradition of the entire India for centuries. He said thousands of scholars have dedicated their whole lives for in depth study of the Gita, which can be clearly seen in the analysis of different interpretations on every verse of a single scripture and the expression of so many mystics. He added that it is also a symbol of India's ideological freedom and tolerance, which motivates every person to have his own viewpoint.
The Prime Minister said Adi Shankaracharya, who united India, saw the Gita as a spiritual consciousness. Saints like Ramanujacharya had put forth the Gita as an expression of spiritual knowledge. For Swami Vivekananda, Gita has been a source of unwavering diligence and indomitable confidence. For Sri Aurobindo, the Gita was a true embodiment of knowledge and humanity. Gita was a beacon in Mahatma Gandhi's most difficult times. The Gita has been the inspiration of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's patriotism and valor. This is the Gita, which was explained by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and gave new strength to the freedom struggle.
The Prime Minister noted that our democracy gives us freedom of our thoughts, freedom of work, equal rights in every sphere of our life. This freedom comes from the democratic institutions that are the guardians of our constitution. Therefore, he said, whenever we talk of our rights, we should also remember our democratic duties.
The Prime Minister said that the Gita is a book for the whole world and every creature. It has been translated into many Indian and International languages, research is being carried out in many countries by many international scholars.
The Prime Minister said that it is in India’s culture to share its knowledge. He said that our knowledge in mathematics, textiles, metallurgy or ayurved are always treated as the humanities wealth. Today when, once again, India is building its potential to contribute to the progress of the whole world and serve humanity. He noted that India's contribution was seen by the world in recent times. This contribution will help the world at a much wider scale in the efforts of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat, he concluded.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands from February 26 to March 1
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands from February 26 to March 1, 2021.